Hawk Ridge, Minnesota

This site has hosted an annual fall hawkwatch for thirty years. Even in relatively bad years, the number
of raptors counted here far exceeds all others along the Great Lakes/Central Flyway. Birds migrating south from
northern Canada are deflected to the west when they encounter Lake Superior. This brings them past Hawk Ridge as they come
around the western tip of the lake. It's the premier place to watch Bald Eagles, as they funnel into wintering areas in the
upper Mississippi basin. Bald Eagles are seen regularly throughout the season, with high numbers passing nearly every day
from mid-October through November. Virtually every Broad-winged Hawk from northern Canada passes this location during mid-September,
usually in two huge pulses. Hawk Ridge is also one of the best places to see such northern specialties as Rough-legged Hawks and
Northern Goshawks.

Timing Your Visit

The chart below shows the time periods when each species is most abundant. Please remember that the data is based on past records, and the passage of birds can vary greatly from year to year. Click on the name of a species to learn more about its migratory habits.